Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Xbox Wireless Controller ($54 – $65).
- Third-party controllers can be great value; check reviews for build quality.
- Check compatibility with your console, PC and phone before buying.
In this article
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Cheap game controllers can be a smart buy or a false economy. We picked the lowest-priced models in the US that still earn a buy or consider verdict from us.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Wireless Controller | Buy | 8.6/10 | $54 – $65 |
| 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller | Buy | 8.5/10 | $59 – $69 |
Budget picks in detail
Xbox Wireless Controller
Xbox and PC · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $54 – $65
Why we like it: Comfortable, reliable and works everywhere.
Pros: Very comfortable shape · Works on Xbox, PC, phones and tablets · Share button and textured grips
Cons: Uses AA batteries by default · No built-in rechargeable battery
Buy it if you play on Xbox or Windows PC and want a comfortable, familiar controller.
Skip it if you hate swapping AA batteries; it needs batteries or a rechargeable kit.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
PC and Switch value · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $59 – $69
Why we like it: Hall-effect sticks and a charging dock.
Pros: Drift-resistant TMR/Hall-effect sticks · Charging dock included · Extra back buttons
Cons: Not for PS5 or Xbox consoles · Software is basic
Buy it if you want a controller with drift-resistant sticks for PC or Switch at a fair price.
Skip it if you want PS5 haptics or official Xbox console support.
How to save money
Third-party controllers can be great value; check reviews for build quality.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Check compatibility with your console, PC and phone before buying.
Common mistake: Buying a wired controller for a couch setup far from the console.
Compare more options
Search game controllers on Amazon See top-rated game controllers on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap game controllers in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Xbox Wireless Controller, typically $54 – $65.
Are cheap game controllers worth it?
Third-party controllers can be great value; check reviews for build quality. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Check compatibility with your console, PC and phone before buying.
When are game controllers cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.